By Blake Chadwick

After Derby dominated its first three opponents by an average of 45 points, the Panthers were ready for their first true test against Bishop Carroll on Friday.

It turned out to be a defensive battle as Derby won 21-0.

“The defense is real underrated to me,” Derby senior running back Tre Washington said. “We lost a lot of seniors (from) last year and everyone thought the defense would struggle. But they are stepping up right now.” 

It was an impressive showing to shut out Carroll.

But Carroll’s defense had its own success. The Eagle’s game plan to clog up running holes worked as they “stacked the box with eight people” Washington said. 

Three times Derby turned the ball over on downs in scoring range. 

The Panthers improve to 4-0, while Bishop Carroll drops to 2-2. 

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Northwest improved to 4-0 after a 65-14 win over West. After starting the season 2-0, West has dropped consecutive games to Carroll and Northwest. After opening the season with a four-point win over Carroll, Northwest has beaten its last three opponents 169-22.

Maize beat Newton 44-7 to improve to 4-0. 

Andover Central also continued their winning ways with a 17-14 win over Valley Center. The Jaguars are unbeaten.

Andale improved to 4-0 by handling Haven 52-6. Andale had 423 rushing yards and was led by Gavin Ungles’ 112-yard game.

Maize South stayed undefeated by beating Ark City 33-15. 

McPherson won 48-3 over Abilene to stay undefeated. 

Belle Plaine moves onto 4-0 after a win against Cherryvale 41-22. The Dragons have outscored opponents 130-22. 

Garden Plain won 61-14 over Remington to stay undefeated. 

Halstead beat Rock Creek 44-38 improved to 4-0, while Hesston beat Smoky Valley 35-8 to stay unbeaten. 

Eisenhower moves to 3-1 after a 21-20 win over rival Goddard. It was Goddard’s second straight loss.

Cheney beat Clearwater 48-10 to continue its streak. Cheney is 3-1 and has scored 167 points in the past three weeks.

East also won its second straight game to become 2-2 after handing Wichita South its first loss.

Salina Central is 2-2 and on a two-game winning streak after beating Hutchinson 31-12.

Buhler beat Mulvane 25-14 to improve to 4-0.

Collegiate got its first shutout by beating Trinity Academy 58-0.